Prior Castell’s Clock
In the South Transept, facing towards the central tower, is a striking, colourful medieval clock.
Parts of the clock probably came from an earlier timepiece that stood above a screen across the Nave. During the time of Prior Thomas Castell (1494-1519) the intricately carved oak case was commissioned. Between 1620 and 1638 Dean Richard Hunt replaced the old works and dials.
Interesting facts
- The Victorians considered its design too bold for a holy building. Taking it down in 1845, Dean George Waddington then re-fitted the clock face on the wall of the Transept.
- In the 1930s Dean Cyril Alington founded the Friends of Durham Cathedral and with their help funded the clock’s reconstruction. Mr J Armstrong, an expert in paint from London, restored its original beauty.
Did you know?
Clock curiosities
- The clock has a unique face and originally had only one hand. Instead of the typical sixty divisions that mark the minutes it has forty-eight marking the quarter hours. There are also three dials at the top. One shows the month, the other shows the day of the month and the last shows the phase of the moon.
- During the 1900s a pair of panelled doors from a house in Northumberland were added. They are painted with a trompe l’oeil view, an optical illusion that tricks your eye into seeing a 3D scene.
History
Saved by a thistle
After the battle of Dunbar, in the 1640s Scottish prisoners were held in the cathedral. To try and keep warm, they burned all the wood they could find. Amazingly, the great clock remained untouched. Was this because it has a Scottish thistle emblem carved at the top?
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: South Transept You’re at: Prior Castell’s Clock Next stop: The Te Deum Window
- Look above the clock
- You will see a large stained glass window
- This is the Te Deum Window